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June Bugs

“After five years of mourning the loss of Clifford Brown, our sweet Chocolate Lab, Haydn and I decided it was time for another dog. We ordered a Black and Tan Coonhound from a breeder, though we would have to wait for her to be born.”By Meredith d’Ambrosio

The Disappearing Land

By Meredith d’Ambrosio

"Gypsy Moon," Oil on Linen, 36" X 24" (2011)
“Gypsy Moon,” Oil on Linen, 36″ X 24″ (2011)

Meredith d'AmbrosioDUXBURY Massachusetts—(Weekly Hubris)—6/16/2014—After five years of mourning the loss of Clifford Brown, our sweet Chocolate Lab, Haydn and I decided it was time for another dog. We ordered a Black and Tan Coonhound from a breeder, though we would have to wait for her to be born. During that time, Haydn’s health was failing. Unfortunately, he passed away two months before our puppy’s arrival from Iowa. Gypsy was delivered by car to our home in Ft. Lauderdale. That trip took two and a half days. My heart melted when I held her for the first time. She seemed a little frightened and was probably thinking, “Who is this strange person who has the nerve to bury her face in mine?” She was just over six weeks old—a tiny ball of black velvet with golden-tan markings. When she carried a toy around, she would strut with her head held high, ears almost scraping the floor, looking as regal as if she were a duchess (but more like a king). A small crescent moon may be seen on her chest, which explains her name, Gypsy Moon. She’s four months old in my painting but, in fact, four years old now and still strutting proudly: she is the funniest dog I’ve ever known. There’s no doubt that she’s here to protect me. Watching her takes my breath away.

"Thalia's Arbor," Oil on Canvas, 30" X 24" (2008)
“Thalia’s Arbor,” Oil on Canvas, 30″ X 24″ (2008)

Almost daily, Clifford Brown (named for the famed jazz trumpet player) and I would walk to the foot of Daniels Island, take a left and go over the bridge onto the adjacent island, where we would travel the length of Popponesset Island. I was fascinated by the unruly rose arbor at the end. One day, I attempted to walk through it, but it was impassable. Thalia, the arbor’s owner, confessed that she had never bothered pruning it. One late afternoon just before sunset, I was carried away by the long shadows, and sat on the ground in front of the post fence to capture this little piece of heaven.

"Popponesset Spit," Oil on Canvas, 24" X 30" (2007)
“Popponesset Spit,” Oil on Canvas, 24″ X 30″ (2007)

Beyond the breakers, and umbrella, is the head of Popponesset Beach. But before the umbrella is the beginning of Popponesset Spit. The water on the left of the sand is Nantucket Sound, which is really the Atlantic Ocean. It would take two hours to reach Nantucket Island by ferry. Haydn, Clifford Brown, and I would sail to the spit, beach the boat, and often walk around the whole spit and continue from the Nantucket Sound side to the channel and around to the Popponesset Bay side of the spit, where we would climb into the daysailer to sail back to our cottage on Daniels Island (that is, if my attention were not diverted by certain areas of the bay where I would dig for cherrystones at low tide). Haydn, who loved to sail, would take the boat and the dog out for one last sail around the bay, while I continued digging for clams, and then beach the boat again to wait for me. Eventually, I would find my way back to the boat, dinner in hand (or in hat).

Note: Meredith d’Ambrosio’s exhibition of paintings entitled “Landscapes Of The North Countries” will run from Sunday, November 15, 2015 through Sunday, February 14, 2016 at the Art Complex of Duxbury, Massachusetts, 189 Alden Street, Duxbury Massachusetts; daily opening times, 1 till 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday; Monday and Tuesday, closed. The opening reception will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2015, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.; Ms. d’Ambrosio will give a concert, accompanied by Chris Taylor on piano.

Boston-born Meredith d’Ambrosio, a Renaissance woman whose creative work crosses many genres, has successfully combined careers in the musical and visual arts. In 1958, in Boston, d’Ambrosio began singing with small bands, accompanied by Roger Kellaway on piano. Although she has worked primarily as a jazz singer-pianist, she is also known internationally as a calligrapher, watercolorist, creator of eggshell mosaics, composer, lyricist, recording artist, and teacher. D’Ambrosio branched out into New York City in 1981 and, since then, has toured extensively throughout North America and Europe (view d’Ambrosio’s complete discography at www.meredithdambrosio.com). D’Ambrosio’s paintings, both watercolors and oils, may be viewed at www.meredithdambrosio.com, her multifaceted website, which covers her work as a musician, painter, and writer. (Author Head Shot Augment: René Laanen.)

6 Comments

  • Pamela Stanley

    I loved viewing your paintings. As I looked at each one I felt I was there. You have a way of engaging the gazer. The commentary under each painting makes it so personal, I love that. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful talent. I would really love to drive up to see the exhibit. I am going to talk to my husband about it.
    love to you Meredith
    We have to pick a date for the radio interview.
    love Pamala

  • Donna Shore

    I love Gypsy Moon, I remember when you first acquired the young pup.

    She looks rather regal in your artwork and appropriately so.

  • Meredith d'Ambrosio

    Hi Donna,
    Thank you for noticing that point about Gypsy Moon. Even when she first came to me at almost seven weeks old, I suspected her royalty as she would prance around with something in her mouth, bigger than her body, with her head held high. Aside the fact that she is more like a clown, she still has that regal look, and at first I thought she was a king, being an alpha female, but I’ve decided she is more like a duchess because of her elegance. And she still feels like velvet. Perhaps you will meet her one day.
    Much love,
    Meredith

  • Valerie Bishop

    I have a new goal in my life: to attend your art show next year!!! what an absolute treat that would be! xoxo p.s. I consider myself very fortunate to have known you for so long and to have seen several of your dogs!

  • Meredith d'Ambrosio

    Dear Valerie,
    It would be lovely to see your face at the museum exhibition! Your words fill me with memories of our youth, and make me smile and bring tears at the same time.
    Much love,
    Meredith